30-06 reloads

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horsemen61

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I am needing a good reload for my ought 6 anyone have one mostly after deer maybe elk. Thanks
 
Over the years of loading for the 06 I have had the opportunity to try a number of powders, to which IMR-4350, and RL19 have stood out as two of the top performers. There are obviously other good slow burner's on the market these days, but if it isn't broke don't fix it, and those two powders will certainly fill the bill for the 06, with little to nothing to be gained by further exploration of other powders.
 
I'd also like to interject that Varget also performs exceptionally well in the '06.
 
IMR 4064, Horn 168 BTHP Match. Shooting the size of a quater at 100 yards usually touching. Haven't tested past that as I don't plan on shooting much over 150.
 
48.0gr Varget, Hornady 150gr SST, Winchester brass, WLR primer.

This did 1.2" groups (100yds) in a Ruger No. 1.
 
My practice load is a 168gr SMK bullet over 57.0gr H4350. My Deer load is a 165gr SGK over 57.0gr H4350. I find the GameKing works just fine on Deer but a Nosler AccuBond or a Remington Core-Lokt are also good choices.

I like the Sierra bullets because I can use the same load and scope setting for both practice and hunting bullets.
 
I like Varget for 150 grain bullets and IMR-4350 for heavy stuff.
That being said, I also like H-380 with Hornady 165 grain SSTs. It meters buttery smooth and I get good groups with it.

Hope this helps.
 
I like Re-15 with 150gr Rem Coreloks and Re-19 with 165gr Hornady Spire Points. These are 2 of the oldest bullets offered to reloaders but they both get the job done, are accurate, and fairly cheap.
 
Pet load that works

This is a well published load, and one that seems to work in lots of '06's.

57 grains of IMR 4350 and a 165 bullet. (I've read that H4350 will do the same, but I have not tried it.

That's it, dealers choice on the rest of the components.

My personal choice is a 165 Sierra HPBT and a F210M primer. I set the OAL to be a bit off the lands. This bullet is old school "but" it does have a few features that are hard to beat.

- they are accurate
- they will expand at 06 velocities
- they will not blow apart at magnum velocities
- they will penetrate
- they can usually be loaded to touch the lands
- they are not expensive

Another great load is a 220 RN. Remington Core-Lokt 220 RN ammo is a sure bet for the bush, short range, large game. Moose don't have a chance.

I've also found that any 180 loaded with any powder will work. 180's are a tad on the heavy side for the 06, better suited for Win Mag velocities. Winchester 180 ST bullet seems to hit hard, like a RN.

150's are a the holy grail, hard to find a combo that combines accuracy with high velocity.

Therefore I stick with 165's.
 
I have not been loading for my 06 for very long, but the best i have found so far is 56gr H4350 with a 165gr GameKing, It shot right at .75" @100 out of my Savage 110. Some rifles seem to like 57gr of H4350 but mine perferd the slightly smaller charge. A good 165gr bullet should be a good compromise between deer and elk hunting, I recommend SGKs, Ballistic Tips, SSTs, and if you are after trophy sized elk a Partition or Accubond would serve you very well, so would the other bullets in 180gr. The good ol core-lokt is a top choice too if you are on a buget, but I would stick with 180s for them.
 
My favorite so far in my 06 is 180 SGK over 58.7 H4831SC.
 

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57 grains of IMR 4350 and a 150 gr. Nosler BT seated to just the right length has been giving me 3 shot touching 100 yard groups out of my Rem 700 for a long time.
 
Ridgerunner665 said:
Mine likes 58 grains of H4350 under a 168 grain Nolser Ballistic Tip...sub-MOA, 2,850 fps (chrono'd).

I tried the 57 grain load too...it shot OK but 58 is better.
Click to expand...
I was shooting 58.0gr H4350 under a 168gr SMK for years until I sent them and some 57.0gr loads over a chrono. I was very surprised when the velocity was the same in both and accuracy was the same. I don't know how that happened but it did and I tested it again a week later with the same results. I figured why use more powder and increase the felt recoil for no more accuracy or velocity... For years I swore by the 58.0gr load of H4350. I actually shot a .314" group with that load. I'm going to check the accuracy again this season since this was at the end of last year before the weather changed and i only shot the tests twice. I still find it hard to believe the velocity is the same with both loads.
 
I use 52 g of IMR4350 and 165g SBT cheapo hornady interlocks for groups 1inch or less from my Rem760. light recoil excellent accuracy equals dead deer.

this load was Lymans older edition accuracy load! I think the lowest charge they list is 53 g now??

Bull
 
horseman,
how long is your barrel?

shorter barrell = faster powder

i have used various loads over the years. I am currently shooting a mauser sporter with a 22 inch barrel.

my favourite load is 50 gr of n140, hornady interlock 165 gr spbt and fed primer. this is in IMI brass.

in my rifle the front edge of the groove is the depth... this leaves it just off the rifling. Mine has a pretty short throat. you would have to check it.

I went for the interlock because

1) it is deadly accurate
2) it is pretty tough and holds together well at close range impact speed
3) it's pretty cheap.

i use this combination on everything from Muntjac. (spaniel size), to lowland red deer (as big as your elk)
 
I like Nosler Accubonds and BTs, Barnes TTSXs and Sierra GKs. Each has manuals. I would use one of them for your choice of bullet. Just saying'. Many of the suggestions here are excellent but when you develop a load, it should be tuned to your rifle, both for safety and max accuracy.

FH
 
I was shooting 58.0gr H4350 under a 168gr SMK for years until I sent them and some 57.0gr loads over a chrono. I was very surprised when the velocity was the same in both and accuracy was the same. I don't know how that happened but it did and I tested it again a week later with the same results. I figured why use more powder and increase the felt recoil for no more accuracy or velocity... For years I swore by the 58.0gr load of H4350. I actually shot a .314" group with that load. I'm going to check the accuracy again this season since this was at the end of last year before the weather changed and i only shot the tests twice. I still find it hard to believe the velocity is the same with both loads.
Click to expand...

57 went 2,780 fps in my gun...57.5 went 2,825 fps.
 
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165 bullet weight is good, 150's ok...but the sectional density is a little bleek. The 130's are horrible for SD.
 
I doubt barrel length had anything to do with it...but who knows...lots of variables sometimes.

My barrel is 24", 1 in 10 twist...factory Winchester barrel, FN made. (if that matters)


Lots of folks tout the 57 - 57.5 grain load, but a guy called M700 suggested I try a bit more...so I did...accuracy was good so I rolled with it.

The rifle is relatively new, I've only shot about 60 rounds through it so far and most of them were factory ammo...the barrel fouled some during those first rounds, took some cleaning to get the copper out but I figure that will get better as time goes on. I believe the fouling was due to the barrel being new and the bullets being cheap (I used a little of everything....Rem, Win, Fed...the cheap stuff in all flavors).

I have only shot about 15 Nosler BT's through it...if the fouling persists, I'll try the Accubond (gilding metal) and see what happens...but thats another topic.
 
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